What welded wire is
Welded wire fencing is made from steel wires laid in a grid, one set running lengthwise and another crosswise, and welded together at each crossing. That produces a stiff, regular mesh with square or rectangular openings. It is different from woven wire, where wires are twisted or knotted together, and from chain link, which is a diamond pattern of interlocked wires.
Welded wire comes as flat panels, often with a frame, and as rolls that you unroll along posts. The grid keeps its shape well, so it looks neat when it is installed correctly. It is generally a utility fence: functional, low-profile and often inexpensive compared with solid fences.
Gauge and mesh size
Two numbers describe most welded wire products.
Gauge describes wire thickness. A lower gauge number means thicker wire. For example, a 12-gauge wire is thicker and stronger than a 16-gauge wire. Thicker wire resists bending and cutting better but costs more and is heavier. Gauge systems vary slightly between wire types, so use the maker’s stated diameter if precision matters.
Mesh size is the opening between wires, such as 2 by 4 inches or 1 by 2 inches. Smaller openings stop smaller animals and children’s fingers or feet, and make climbing slightly harder, while larger openings use less wire and cost less. Choosing the opening to suit what you want to keep in or out is the main design decision.
As a hypothetical illustration, a grid with openings of 2 inches by 4 inches would let a small rabbit or puppy pass but stop a large dog, while a 1-inch by 2-inch grid would stop much smaller animals. Your actual animal and the way it behaves will decide, since some animals squeeze, climb or chew.
Coatings and rust
Bare steel rusts, so welded wire is generally coated.
- Galvanized wire has a zinc coating. Some products are galvanized before welding and others after. Galvanizing after welding tends to protect the welds better, but check the product details.
- Vinyl-coated wire has a plastic layer over metal, often green or black. It resists corrosion, blends into landscapes and is gentler on skin and animals.
- Powder-coated panels have a baked-on finish and are often used for more decorative fencing.
Coating thickness varies, and a cut end will expose raw steel. Touch up cuts with a suitable coating, and expect that wet, salty or acidic conditions will shorten coating life. Corrosion-resistant hardware and fence rust removal cover related ideas.
Common uses
Gardens. Welded wire keeps rabbits and groundhogs out of vegetable beds when the mesh is small enough and the bottom is secured. A rabbit-proof fencing setup usually needs small openings and a buried or bent-out bottom edge, and a vegetable garden fence should also leave room for access.
Dog areas. Panels can form a simple run or a yard border, though tall, athletic or digging dogs need extra care. A dog run built from panels is easy to size and move. Pet-friendly fencing and dig-proof fence give more advice.
Property lines in rural areas. Rolls are often stretched along posts to mark and contain, with wood or steel posts spaced at intervals.
Chicken runs. Hardware cloth, a finer welded mesh, is usually preferred for predator resistance. For chicken run fencing, larger openings can fail because small predators slip through or reach in.
Supports for plants. Climbing plants can use the grid as a trellis, and some people plant a hedge along one so that the plants gradually cover it, as covered in living fences.
Project borders. It can screen off compost areas, storage or play zones.
Panels versus rolls
Panels are rigid and quick to set. They keep a straight line and are good for short runs, pet areas and decorative use. They come in set sizes, so posts must match the panel width, and slopes may require stepping.
Rolls are flexible and cost less per foot for long runs. They must be stretched tight and attached to sturdy posts, otherwise they sag. Corners and ends need strong bracing, because stretched wire pulls hard on them. Fence corners and fence anatomy explain basic post roles.
Installation basics
- Confirm your property line, check local fence regulations and call for utility locating before digging.
- Set end, corner and gate posts firmly, since they carry the most load.
- Attach wire to posts with staples, clips or ties made for the job. Use fasteners that match the coating to avoid corrosion at contact points. Fence fasteners has details.
- Keep the wire taut but not overstretched.
- Leave the bottom a bit above ground or bury it, depending on whether you want to prevent digging. Burying or adding a skirt is a common method to deter digging animals.
Cut ends can be sharp. Wear gloves and eye protection, and cap or fold sharp ends where people or animals pass.
Limits
Welded wire provides little privacy and, depending on gauge, limited security. Bolt cutters can cut it, and thin wire can be bent or pushed. It is not designed as a pool barrier, and many open grids are climbable. For tougher security needs, a heavier fence designed for the job is a better match.
Appearance is plain. Many owners improve it with a wood frame, a top rail or plantings.
Upkeep
Inspect for rust, loose staples, sagging sections and animal damage a couple of times a year. Trim plants that pull on the wire, and repair holes promptly because small gaps tend to grow. With good coating and tight installation, welded wire can last many years, though exact lifespan varies with climate and wire quality.